Confident Raudondvaris Hoptrans win FIBA 3x3 Orleans Challenger 2024

ORLEANS (France) - Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) continued their strong early season form after claiming the title at the FIBA 3x3 Orleans Challenger 2024 on June 23.  

Here's what happened in the fifth Challenger of the season.

The winner: Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU)

They were: No.1 points, best shooting value & fewest points allowed

The lethal Lithuanians have been in sparkling form to start the season highlighted by winning the Marseille Masters. 

The No.2 seed did not let up in Orleans with their rich vein of form continuing in style. Raudondvaris were unbeaten in pool play but things quickly became more difficult in the quarters when they were pushed to the limit by Hangzhou (CHN) in an OT classic. 

Having clawed back late to force extra time, Marijus Uzupis unleashed his uzi to call game with a clutch two-piece.

The Lithuanians could not be stopped from there and they were on fire against Vienna (AUT) in the semis before comfortably easing past in-form Fribourg (SUI) in the final. 

Uzupis was named MVP, but it was a team effort with Aurelijus Pukelis and Sarunas Vingelis also dripping wet on the half-court, while Modestas Kumpys was a beast around the rim. 

 

The runner-up: Fribourg (SUI)

We did warn you in the preview that Fribourg was the real deal and a serious title contender. 

They made us look smart after a spectacular run, where they capped a perfect Day One with a heart-stopping win over Hangzhou. 

After beating Plunge (LTU) in the quarters, the Swiss Maestros weathered a storm from superstar Worthy de Jong to upset Amsterdam (NED) 21-15. 

Jonathan Dubas went toe-to-toe with de Jong to finish with 9 points and 6 rebounds as Fribourg stormed into the final before running out of steam. 

But it was another impressive effort not long after winning the Penang Challenger with Dubas showing that he has taken his game to another level. He finished No.1 in points (39), player-value (49.2) and rebounds (27). 

While big fella Natan Jurkovitz threw down trademark dunks with authority. 

 

The Final: Raudondvaris Hoptrans 21-Fribourg 14 

There was much anticipation over a clash between two red-hot teams and it was Fribourg who made the hot start to lead 4-1. 

But the Lithuanians woke up and went on a 6-1 run to take control. The see-saw continued when Natan Jurkovitz glided to the rim for the pretty layup to level the scores. 

Modestas Kumpys activated 'Flight Mode' for the stuff then Marijus Uzupis  went bang as Raudondvaris had the momentum. 

Jonathan Kazadi tried to ignite Fribourg as he drove down the lane for the two-handed finish, but Uzupis responded from deep. 

Jurkovitz stuffed a slam, but Raudondvaris were heating up and couldn't be stopped.  Aurelijus Pukelis and Sarunas Vingelis took over as Raudondvaris celebrated another title in 2024. 

 

The reward: Three tickets to the Lausanne Masters

Raudondvaris Hoptrans, Fribourg and Vienna booked their spots to the Lausanne Masters on August 16-17.

Final Standings:
1. Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU)
2. Fribourg (SUI)
3. Vienna (AUT)
4. Amsterdam (NED)
5. Hangzhou (CHN)

Top Scorers:
1. Jonathan Dubas (Fribourg, SUI) 39 pts 
2.  Marijus Uzupis (Raudondvaris Hoptrans, LTU) 31 pts 
3. Aurelijus Pukelis (Raudondvaris Hoptrans, LTU) 31 pts 
4. Sarunas Vingelis (Raudondvaris Hoptrans, LTU) 30 pts 
5. Nico Kaltenbrunner (Vienna, AUT) 27 pts 

Key Stats:
- Ovidijus Kaminskis had a monster game for Plunge with 12 points, 8 rebounds and a player-value of 15 against Hongcheon (KOR) on Day One.  
- Goran Vidovic had a superb tournament for Hangzhou to finish second in highlights (18) and equal second in key assists (8). 
- Raudondvaris Hoptrans' semi-final victory over Vienna  was the second fastest game of the tournament, lasting just 7'17". 

FIBA